Screen Guild Theater Radio Show
First Episode: January 8, 1939
Last Episode: June 29, 1952
Number of Episodes: 527
Network: CBS (1/8/39-6/28/48), NBC (10/8/48-6/29/50), ABC (9/7/50-5/31/51), CBS (3/13/52-6/29/52)
NOTE: Photo to the right is of Jack Benny, George Murphy, Joan Crawford and Reginald Gardiner on the very first episode of The Screen Guild Theater! ----->
Hosts: John Conte (1939-42), Truman Bradley (1942-47), and Michael Roy (1947-50)
Cast Members: Different stars each episode from the leading actors and actresses of the time mostly recreating their hits from the movies for radio!
Producer/Director: Bill Lawrence
Sound Effects: Unknown
Music: Unknown
Writers: Bill Hampton, Harry Kronman
Sponsor: Gulf Gasoline, Lady Esther Facial Cream, Camel Cigarettes, Buick
Typical Episode Length: 30 minutes (except for 39 60 minute episodes from 9/7/50-5/31/51)
While the Screen Guild Theater aired nearly continuously for over 13 years, it's "official" name changed several times. For its first 22 episodes it was called the "Gulf Screen Guild Show" for its sponsor, Gulf gasoline. From episode #23-113 it was the "Gulf Screen Guild Theater". I guess "Theater" sounded a bit more elegant than "Show". For episode #114-355 it was referred to as "The Lady Esther Screen Guild Theater" for its sponsor, Lady Esther face cream. From #356-471 "The Camel Screen Guild Theater" reflected another new sponsor, Camel cigarettes. Then it reverted simply to the "Screen Guild Theater" for its final 56 episodes.
The Screen Guild Theater had no problem getting Hollywood's hottest stars to guest star. Most of their acting fees were donated to charity in order to create and run the Motion Picture Country Home for retired actors.
You might recognize this small sampling of stars' names who appeared on Screen Guild Theater: Ethel and Lionel Barrymore, Ingrid Bergman, Humphrey Bogart, James Cagney, Eddie Cantor, Gary Cooper, Bing Crosby, Jimmy Durante, Douglas Fairbanks Jr., Clark Gable, Judy Garland, Cary Grant, Bob Hope, Gene Kelly, Agnes Moorehead, Gregory Peck, Dinah Shore, and Frank Sinatra.
Listen online to a Screen Guild Theater Radio Show episode by clicking on a link below:
Command Decision - March 3, 1949 - 30 Minutes
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